Sourdough Fire burns 6,234 acres near Diablo, 25% contained

Sourdough Fire continues to burn

FOX 13 is tracking several local wildfires as dry and hot conditions continue across the region.

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. - The Sourdough Fire burning near Diablo, Washington has scorched 6,234 acres, and has forced evacuations in the small community and its nearby hydroelectric dam.

Fire officials say the wildfire is 25% contained, and has forced evacuations in the nearby town of Diablo.

A 51-mile stretch of SR-20 had been closed between Newhalem and Silver Star Campground. As of Sept. 5, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said the highway was back open.

Diablo Dam Access Road and the road into Diablo remain closed to the public.

The fire was sparked by a lightning strike on Saturday, July 29, and was originally pegged at more than 2,000 acres, but was adjusted down to 1,397 after infrared mapping conducted Aug. 6, before it swelled up to 6,221 acres by Monday.

Officials have more than 400 personnel and 20 engines on the fire, working against steep terrain in North Cascades National Park. Firefighters needed to be transported by boat to Ross Lake Resort to start digging a perimeter. Helicopter water drops have been crucial in slowing the progress of the fire.

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(Northwest Incident Management Team)

According to the City of Seattle, the Diablo Dam provides some power for Washington’s largest city.

Seattle City Light personnel are also on site working to mitigate fire hazards and dig fire lines.